Days later…
Missio and Dante arrived back at St. Peter's square at exactly 8 o'clock. The brothers walked across the square, heading towards Paul VI Hall. Missio turned to his brother.
"Why are there so many people here?" He inquired.
"Today is Wednesday, a very special time for the people of Vatican City and those visiting it…" Dante responded.
"What's gonna happen?"
"The Papal Audience." Dante explained. "It is a time of catechesis and prayer that lasts for one to two hours."
Missio paused. He drew a deep breath and exhaled heavily.
"Do I really have to attend this…?"
"Could you?" Dante questioned.
Missio clicked his tongue. "…Fine."
Dante smiled, kissing his brother on the cheek.
"Thanks."
Missio didn't respond as they stepped into a queue which led into Paul VI Hall. After a few minutes, they arrived at the front and saw a few guards stationed there.
"Sir, May I have your ticket?" One asked.
Dante pulled out his phone. He went on the website and clicked on his tickets. He showed it to the guards. The guards eyes narrowed as he looked at the displayed information. Then, he noticed Dante had bought two VIP tickets.
"Who's the other person with you, sir?"
"My little brother." Dante pointed behind himself.
The guard nodded. "I see. Have a great time."
The siblings passed the check-in. They stepped onto the marble floor of Paul VI Hall and moved to the front-row of the hall. They sat down at chairs that were placed just before the stage where the pope would soon be. Missio adjusted his headphones.
'This is gonna be a long hour…'
After a few minutes, the papal audience officially began. Pope Francis XII walked on stage. The crowd cheered at the sight of him, waving at the supreme pontiff of the universal church. Francis waved back with a bright smile. Alongside him were his guards, fitted with golden armor and held spears taller than themselves. After him came a few individuals wearing scarlet garments – Cardinals.
Francis halted at the front of the stage, gazing across the room. Eventually, he spotted Dante and Missio in the front – watching. A smile tugged at Francis's lips as he nodded at the King. Dante nodded back. After a few moments, another person came rushing in and stood beside the pope. He wore a black cassock with purple accents, fitted with a black sash, a pectoral cross hanging from his neck and a skull cap on his head – the Prefect of the Papal Household.
Then, a few more individuals wearing immaculate black tailcoats arrived on stage – Papal Gentlemen. After everyone was ready, Francis sat in his chair in the middle of the stage. The prefect sat beside him as well. He adjusted the microphone that was before him and cleared his throat. The crowd went silent, wanting to listen to the pope's words. Francis raised his hand, forming a cross on his chest.
"In the name of the Lord, Peace be with you."
The prefect handed him a piece of paper. He took it from his hand, adjusting his glasses.
"Your Eminences, Your Excellencies, dear brothers and sisters…Good morning and welcome. I also welcome all the organizations, communities, Christians from abroad and from here. I'd also like to welcome the King – Dante deus Augustus to this event."
Missio began to doze off at Francis's speech. Francis eventually started the prayer but Missio was already in a world of his own. Dante didn't knock him out of it either. After a few minutes, the prayer ended and the blessing ceremony began. Dante gripped his brother's shoulders. Missio's eyes widened. Dante dragged him to the front of the queue.
After a few minutes, they stepped on the stage. Dante arrived at the front. He grabbed his hand kissed it.
"May God bless you, Dante." Franics patted the King's back.
"Thank you, Father." Dante smiled. "I just informed my fiancé of your officiation."
"Really?" Francis chuckled. "What did she say?"
"Uh… how much me loved me."
Francis smiled. "You're truly blessed, Dante. You have such people at your side."
'I know… but I don't deserve it…' Dante thought solemnly.
"I am. I'm grateful for it, Father." Dante let go of Francis' hand.
Francis laughed, patting the king. "We'll meet again at your wedding."
After Dante, Missio stepped in front of the Pope. Copying his brother, he picked up the pope's hand and kissed it.
"God bless you, Missio." Francis blessed him.
Missio exhaled heavily, locking eyes with the bishop of the Vatican. He licked his lips and spoke.
"I have a question, Father."
"What is it, my child?"
"…What makes you so devoted to God?"
Francis paused for a moment. He thought long about Missio's questions. After pondering for a bit, his lips parted.
"I believe devoted because… God is always there for us when we need him… and that kindness drew me to him."
Missio's voice cracked slightly. "But why didn't he respond when my mother called out for help?"
Francis froze, remembering the tragedy of the former patriarch's wife. He remembered her body being carried into the grave on a rainy day. He looked at the Missio of the present – he needed an answer desperately. He could sense it in his voice, the hatred he had towards the lord.
"He can't help us all the time, child." Francis stated. "There will always be tragedies. The world is prone to change. That's how God created it. Millions of people are calling for his help everyday but sometimes the help they are asking of him will actually destroy them. God chooses not to help to make you stronger and wiser."
Franics grabbed Missio's hand. "Your hatred is unnecessary as well."
Missio frowned, his pupils dilating.
"Just because you left a religion, doesn't mean you have to hate it, Missio. You can be an atheist but it doesn't mean you have to force your anger upon him. He knows what he has done but it is for the better of you."
Missio paused for a moment, processing the pope's explanation.
"…I see. Thanks." Missio thanked Francis.
He moved away from the pope, descending the stage. Francis watched him leave with a bright smile. Then, he greeted his next guest. Missio met with his brother before the exit of Paul VI Hall. Dante wrapped his arm around his little brother's shoulder. The brothers left the hall, entering the square. Dante nudged his little brother in an affectionate manner.
"How'd it go?" He inquired.
Missio didn't reply immediately, thinking back to Francis's words. He lifted his head, a realization slowly dawning upon him. He opened his mouth and replied to his big brother.
"…It went well."